The National Deer Association (NDA) is pleased to present its 2022 Conservation Awards that recognize significant contributions to the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat, and game. Winners have been named in the following six categories.
Hunting Heritage Award
Recognizing significant contributions to our hunting heritage with the potential to have lasting impacts for current and future generations of hunters, the NDA is proud to name the Pennsylvania Game Commission a recipient of the 2022 Hunting Heritage Award. The award recognizes the PGC association in creating a new Field to Fork coordinator position. The position, funded through PGC, will oversee the NDA’s Field to Fork expansion, adult food-focused hunting apprenticeship programs, and other Recruit, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) initiatives. Read more about this award here.
Professional Deer Manager of the Year
For his significant on-the-ground contributions to deer and deer hunting through education, research, and stewardship on public and private lands, the NDA is pleased to name Jim Heffelfinger, Wildlife Science Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Fish and Game, as their 2022 NDA Professional. Deer Manager of the Year Award Winner. Read more about this award here.
Deer Manager of the Year
This award is given to an individual or individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the sound management of deer habitat and wildlife populations. Heartland Bowhunter, the Kansas City, Missouri outdoor video production company, receives the 2022 NDA Deer Manager of the Year award. Read more about this award winner here.
Agency of the Year
Wildlife agencies receiving this award have a track record of innovative and progressive deer management, initiating positive change through science, regulation, and hunter engagement. NDA is pleased to recognize the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife as its 2022 Agency of the Year. Read more about the agency’s work here.
Signpost Communicator of the Year Award
Named for the organization’s first newsletter, the Signpost Award is given to an outdoor communicator who shares accurate information with deer hunters, works to ensure a strong future for whitetails, and supports the NDA and its mission. . Alex Robinson of Minnesota, editor-in-chief of Outdoor Life, is the 2022 recipient. Learn more about Robinson and the award here.
Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award
The NDA is pleased to announce that Dr. Steve Demarais of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab has received the NDA’s 2022 Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. Through his research and various media platforms, Demarais has educated hundreds of thousands of people about deer management around the world. Learn more about this award here.
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About the National Deer Association
The National Deer Association is the leading nonprofit deer conservation group, working to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat, and game. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-standing successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 40-year effort that has changed deer management to improve hunting and protect America’s most vital and admired game species. North America for future generations. Visit DeerAssociation.com or follow @deerassociation on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.